No. 3: 49ers DT DeForest Buckner

The San Francisco 49ers’ 3-technique defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is one of the best NFL defenders that the casual football fan probably doesn’t know much about — but Buckner intends to change that in 2018.

After recording three sacks last season in his second year in the league, Buckner jumped out of the gate in 2018, tallying 2.5 sacks in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, and another sack the following week against the Detroit Vikings. Buckner doesn’t just specialize in rushing the passer, although PFF ranks him first in sacks in fourth in quarterback pressures among all NFL interior linemen. In addition to leading the 49ers in sacks, Buckner is just as disruptive in the run game, as he currently ranks second on the team in total tackles, and ranks ninth in tackles among all interior defensive linemen in the league.

Thanks to his dominance over the first two weeks of the season, opposing teams have been forced to game plan against Buckner, who is surprisingly quick and mobile for a man who stands at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds. Even when facing double teams, Buckner has been effective in closing the pocket and making plays in the run game, while providing opportunities for his fellow defenders to make plays.

The 49ers need to finally acquire the outside pass-rushing piece they’ve lacked over Buckner’s three seasons in the league. Once San Francisco is able to establish a consistent rush off the edge, offensive coordinators will no longer be able to focus their attention on Buckner, and the 24-year-old defensive tackle will truly be able to shine.

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